Madurai, one of India's oldest cities, boasts of a history dating back to Sangam period of the pre-Christian era. It was home to the ancient Tamil Sangam (The Academy of Tamil Learning), and hosted the literary conclave that produced the first Tamil epic Silappathikaaram and other literary masterpieces. Megasthenes, the ancient Greek diplomat and envoy to India in 3rd century BC, had written in glowing terms about Madurai in Indica, his much celebrated account on India. Madurai reached its height of glory during the rule of the Cholas, and finally the Pandyas in the 13th century.

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Madurai is located at 9.93 N 78.12 E. It has an average elevation of 136 metres (446 feet).The City of Madurai was originally built around the Meenakshi temple. Rectangular streets named after the Tamil months of Aadi, Chithirai and Maasi surround the temple, symbolizing the structure of the cosmos. Though there are numerous other temples in Madurai, which is why it is known as the "Temple City", the Meenakshi temple's architectural splendor outdoes all of them. The Temple Complex in itself is breathtaking, given the fort-like walls pierced with lofty Gopurams (Towers), over an area of 640,000 square feet (60,000 sq m).

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Madurai's economy was chiefly agrarian. Textiles and tourism contribute significantly to the local economy. Madurai is famous for "Sungadi", a fine-count, zari-bordered, fabric painted cotton saree. However, in the past few years, overt dependence on monsoons, and international competition and cheaper imports have dented the performance of agriculture and textile sectors respectively. Madurai has a thriving flower industry, Jasmine in particular. "Madurai Malli" jasmine is well known across Tamil Nadu and beyond for its enchanting fragrance.

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